by Bishop Guy Sansaricq
Acts 2:14 + 22-33; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:17-21; Luke 24:13-35
Let us meditate and pray today on the well known story of the “Emmaus witnesses.” You might remember how on the very day of the first Easter, two disciples of Jesus, shocked by the horrifying events of Good Friday, refused to believe the first reports of Jesus’ resurrection. They broke ranks and walked away from Jerusalem. They had become disgruntled non-believers!
On their way, a stranger joined them unexpectedly and engaged them in conversation. They confided their disappointment with Jesus who obviously was no the Messiah he presented to be. At this point, the new road companion began to challenge them. Quoting Scripture from Moses through the Prophets, he explained to them that Christ had to suffer to enter his glory. He even told them: “Why are you so slow to believe?” The same question could be put to us!
As they came to the small village of Emmaus and sat at a table for lunch, the mysterious companion “took bread, broke it and gave it to them.” At that point their eyes were opened as they recognized Jesus “in the breaking of the bread.” Overjoyed by the experience, they hastily returned to Jerusalem.
“The breaking of the bread” which is the term used by the early Church for Eucharist was the sign that opened their eyes. May it continue to be the sign that opens our own eyes! We, too, must not be “slow to believe.” Like the Emmaus witnesses believe and recognize Jesus’ presence in the Eucharist!